We’re crowdfunding on Spacehive!

At the end of last year, the iOi launched a crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds for fitting out the Imagination Lab. With amazing support from the local community, we met our crowdfunding target and were able to transform the Lab from an empty workshop into a functioning family space!

Since officially launching in February, the Lab has worked with over 6,000 people from across London. The feedback we’ve had from schools and families has been fantastic, but we are keen to bring more local people through our doors to ensure we’re delivering real and long-lasting local impact. We want local families to feel comfortable and confident in the Lab.

In order to achieve this, we need your help. We’re running a crowdfunder on Spacehive that will help us to design and deliver an innovative, intergenerational programme specifically for the local community. Over four months, the programme will help children develop vital skills and encourage them to access other cultural and educational offers.

What will our target help us achieve?

By meeting our fundraising goal, we’ll be able to:

Recruit a local liaison officer to consult and build relationships with the local community

Run workshops to co-create content with children, parents and teachers

Deliver family workshops specifically for local people

Produce evaluation report that collates views of local people to inform iOi’s capital development & local regeneration

Why does imagination matter to the local community?

With increasing predictions of automation and AI (Artificial Intelligence) changing both our society and our economy, it is vital that children are supported to develop the creative and imaginative skills they will need to thrive in this rapidly changing future. The iOi exists to do just that. If we are to make a difference for children no matter what their background or ability, we need to tailor our content and approach to reach those who wouldn’t access traditional cultural offers. Children like those in Lambeth. Lambeth faces some significant challenges: less than half the local people speak English as a first language and 38% of children receive free school meals – a recognised indicator of deprivation. Through targeted engagement and by offering cutting edge experiences, we can meet the needs of this diverse borough and ensure local voices are heard as the area regenerates, meaning no one is left behind.

“We are delighted that the Imagination Lab has opened on Albert Embankment as it is providing a fantastic new resource for the local community. Lambeth is a diverse and vibrant area, with a rich cultural history, and it is opportunities like those provided by the Institute of Imagination that will help towards our ambition to get 85% of Lambeth residents taking part in regular cultural activities by 2020.” – Cllr Matthew Bennett, Cabinet member for Planning, Regeneration & Jobs

How can you help?

To support our campaign, simply sign up to Spacehive and click ‘Back this project!’.

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